Govt accused of neglecting artistes
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 29 2023:
While expressing sadness over pathetic condition of the artiste community in the state despite their role preserving and developing Manipuri art and culture, Critics Forum Manipur president Lamabam Gojendra has charged the authority concerned with lackadaisical attitude towards taking up welfare programmes for the artistes.
Speaking prior to showcasing of the play "Charangnaba" of Raag Tarang Mandal (RTM) at Jawaharlal Nehru Dance Academy auditorium, here, on Sunday, Gojendra pointed out that though it is an undeniable fact that Manipur is known to the world by its rich art and culture and sports and the same acknowledged by many, be they administrators, politicians or bureaucrats, yet very few come forward to protect, preserve and promote art and culture and sports in the state.
There are numerous ways to protect and preserve art and culture of Manipur, if at all one is serious about the matter, he said, while adding that the problem is that hardly a few people, and not even the state government is serious enough for taking up measures to promote art and culture.
"Eminent theatre director Ratan Thiyam, late Kanhailal and Savitri are being held in high esteem and respected by the people from all over the world.
However, whether these eminent personalities are actually respected and regarded by the state government is indeed a question worth asking," he said.
On the present trend of theatre, he informed that a number of young, innovative and creative directors are coming up in the state which is a sign of development in the field of art and culture.
We need to discuss and dissect on how to promote the Manipuri theatre, he added.
The event was also attended by JNM Dance Academy director Pukhrambam Bilash as chief guest.
Department of art and culture deputy director G Dharmadas Shanna was also present on the occasion.